Periya Manikoondu (Grand Tower Clock), Puducherry

Periya Manikoondu (Grand Tower Clock), Puducherry

Periya Manikoondu (Grand Tower Clock) is located inside the Goubert Bazar (Grand Bazar) in the heart of Puducherry Town in Union Territory of Puducherry. Goubert Bazar is flanked by the JN Street, Anandha Ranga Pillai Street, Mahatma Gandhi Road and Bharathi Street. The Bazar can be accessed from any of these streets. The French colonial period of Pondicherry saw trades on seas and development of education as well as health systems in Puducherry. There are three Tower Clocks in Puducherry from French Colonial Period. 

The story of three clocks (Tours de l'horloge) has a special place in History of Puducherry and still stands as an epitome of Pondicherry city. They are;

·        Chinna Mani Koondu / Petite Tower Clock

·        Periya Mani Koondu/ Grand Tower Clock

·        Muthialpet Tower Clock

The bazaar was created in 1826 and as to its name, it is much bigger in size compared to the Chinna Kadai. The clock tower was built in the year 1851 by Dayrianadin in the name of his uncle Diagou Modeliar and so it is even called as Diagou Mudaliar Clock Tower. The Clock Tower is located at about 600 meters from Aurobindo Ashram Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 2 Kms from Puducherry Main Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Puducherry Airport and 150 Kms from Chennai Airport.

The Clock Tower is situated on Pondicherry Bus Stand to JIPMER (Gorimedu) Bus Route. Tourists can get down at Aurobindo Ashram Bus Stop. The Clock Tower is located at a walkable distance from this Bus Stop. Taxis and Autos are also available to reach this Clock Tower from any part of Puducherry. Nearest Railway Station is located at Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai.

Location